On the search for more silverware ... Canberra's Nick Kyrgios. Photo: Karleen Minney

The ACT product made his name in doubles, partnering Victoria's Andrew Harris on the way to winning this year's French Open and Wimbledon junior titles.

But it's in singles where Kyrgios is desperate to avenge his quarter-final losses at Wimbledon and the US Open, having been eliminated at both by the eventual winner.

Those results have served to fuel his fire ahead of what he hopes is a breakout campaign.

''I've been heartbroken twice, at Wimbledon and the US Open, so I think I can do than more than make the quarters this time - I think I can win it,'' Kyrgios said. ''There's going to be a lot of tough times.

Advertisement

''You're going to have struggles on court, but you've got to knuckle down and get ready for it.''

Kyrgios was knocked out in the third round at the Australian Open this year, but believes his power-based game is suited to the plexicushion surface.

''I love playing on those hard courts, they're a bit slow, so it gives me time to set up my shots,'' he said. ''Obviously my serve is my strength.

''If I can use those two things well, I think I'll be fine.''

The teenager's immediate focus is on the Canberra Velocity's Asia-Pacific Tennis League double-header at the National Tennis Centre this weekend.

But in a blow to the Velocity's chances of beating the National Academy AUStars in Saturday's tie, Kyrgios said he is likely to be a late scratching with a back injury.

Kyrgios pulled up sore after his 4-2, 4-1 loss to Matthew Barton in Tuesday night's opener against Sydney. However, he is confident of taking to the court to face the Hunter Raworth Tigers on Sunday.

''I might be sitting out with my back but I'll definitely be there for support,'' Kyrgios said. ''It's been a niggling injury for about a week now. I got a scan on it, there's not much damage but maybe I'll just give it a rest tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Canberra Velocity women's team will be looking to continue its perfect start after a victory against the City Community outfit.